Saturday March 28th was No Kings day. It was a day to celebrate the power of community.
Across the country, more than 3,000 demonstration events brought people together in a shared moment of civic expression. Here in the greater Seattle area, the day unfolded under clear skies and spring sunshine—an ideal backdrop for gathering, connecting, and being heard.
East Shore members were well represented, joining others at two primary locations: Bellevue’s Overlake area and in Issaquah. In both places, the energy was unmistakable. There was a steady current of purpose and positivity, expressed through handmade signs, music, and conversation.
People of all ages participated—from toddlers perched on shoulders to elders in wheelchairs—reflecting a broad and inclusive community presence. Creativity was on full display in the messages people carried, many of them thoughtful, humorous, and deeply personal. Notably, there were few, if any, negative interactions from passersby or drivers, contributing to a peaceful and supportive atmosphere.
So why did we show up?
For many, it was a chance to release pent-up frustration with the direction of national leadership. For others, it was about the importance of showing up in numbers—to make visible that these concerns are widely shared among citizens. And for many, it was simply the belief in the power of collective, peaceful expression: that when people come together with intention, creativity, and respect, their message carries further.
The gathering in Issaquah captured that spirit especially well. Even as the planned end time of 2:30 approached, the energy didn’t fade. The band kept playing, and people lingered—singing along, talking, and enjoying the sense of solidarity. East Shore musicians, along with others, provided a soundtrack of patriotic and protest songs that kept the momentum alive and the mood uplifted.
The persistence of the Overlake group led primarily by East Shore members has been providing weekly leadership for demonstrations which led to over 1000 participants on No Kings Day.. Bravo East Shore!!!”
Events like this remind us that community is not just something we talk about—it’s something we build, moment by moment, through shared experiences and common purpose.
A heartfelt thank you to all the organizers, musicians, and participants who made the day possible. Together, we celebrate not only the messages we carried, but the community we continue to create. If you are interested in participating in the future, please reach out to our Rally for Democracy Ministry Team!